Dois-je (en. Should i)

/dwa ʒə/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Indicates an obligation or necessity.

Should I go to school today?

Dois-je aller à l'école aujourd'hui ?

Used to ask a question about an obligation.

Should I finish this report by tomorrow?

Dois-je terminer ce rapport avant demain ?

Expresses uncertainty about an obligation.

Should I stay here or go home?

Dois-je rester ici ou rentrer chez moi ?

The form comes from the verb 'devoir', meaning 'to have the necessity to' or 'to be obliged to'.

should I really

Indicates a questioning of obligation.

dois-je vraiment

should I be worried

Raises the question of worry regarding a situation.

dois-je m'inquiéter

should I do it now

Questions the appropriate time to complete a task.

dois-je le faire maintenant

to have to

Verb meaning to be obliged to do something.

devoir

obligation

State of being compelled to do something.

obligation

necessity

The quality of what is necessary.

nécessité

Should I really?

When someone doubts an obligation: 'Should I really?'

Quand quelqu'un doute d'une obligation : 'Dois-je vraiment ?'

Do I need to do this?

To express hesitation: 'Do I need to do this?'

Pour exprimer une hésitation : 'Me faut-il faire ça ?'